Georgian-Ossetian Conflict Started from Turkey, Says Georgian Expert

The subject of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict is not only the region of Tskhinivali or other territories. Territory is not the only reason of this conflict: there are some other equally-important factors such as energy resources and transit routes, Director of South-Caucasus Institute of Regional Security Alexander Rusetski said at a press conference today.

He recalled that the conflict started from Turkey’s territory when on August 5, 2008 representatives of Turkish Workers Party (PKK) blew up the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline.

“This is a geopolitical conflict, and it is inadequate and wrong to perceive such a conflict as just a local one,” said he.

Rusetski also said he did not share the viewpoint that the Armenia-Turkey rapprochement is a result of the August war. In his words Turkey saw a serious threat in the South Caucasus in terms of the strengthening of Russia’s potential.

“Erdogan’s up-coming visit to Moscow and the proposal of creating a stability platform meant to be the beginning of new processes,” said Rusetski.